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Published in: Trials 1/2020

Open Access 01-12-2020 | Affective Disorder | Study protocol

Acupressure to improve sleep quality of older people in residential aged care: a randomised controlled trial protocol

Authors: Nant Thin Thin Hmwe, Graeme Browne, Lyndall Mollart, Viv Allanson, Sally Wai-Chi Chan

Published in: Trials | Issue 1/2020

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Abstract

Background

Sleep disturbance in older people is an important health issue that is associated with many other health problems. Effective interventions are required to address sleep problems in this group. Acupressure has been suggested as a potential therapeutic technique to improve sleep. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of an acupressure intervention on sleep quality, anxiety, depression, and quality of life among older persons in residential aged care facilities within an Australian context.

Methods/design

This is a randomised controlled trial with two parallel groups in a pre- and post-test study. Study participants will be older people living in residential aged care facilities. They will be assigned to intervention and control groups using computer-generated random numbers. The intervention group will receive 12-min acupressure three times per week for four consecutive weeks, applied on three acupoints: HT7, PC6, and SP6. The control group will receive only routine care. The primary outcome measure is sleep quality, and secondary outcomes include anxiety, depression, and quality of life. Data will be collected before the intervention, immediately after the end of the intervention, and 2 weeks after the intervention.

Discussion

This study targets a poorly met healthcare need of older people who are experiencing sleep disturbance and its negative consequences. To the researchers’ knowledge, this is the first study evaluating acupressure in an Australian aged care context, using specific acupoints and a standardised acupressure protocol. If the results show positive outcomes, acupressure could be used to manage sleep disturbances for older people in the Australian context as well as in the global ageing population. This will contribute to reducing negative consequences of sleep disturbance and use of sleep medications.

Trial registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12619000262​101. Registered on 20 February 2019.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Acupressure to improve sleep quality of older people in residential aged care: a randomised controlled trial protocol
Authors
Nant Thin Thin Hmwe
Graeme Browne
Lyndall Mollart
Viv Allanson
Sally Wai-Chi Chan
Publication date
01-12-2020
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Trials / Issue 1/2020
Electronic ISSN: 1745-6215
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-020-04286-2

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